King Graham
The protagonist and ruler of Daventry, who searches for his kidnapped family and stolen kingdom.
Documented for this version
Arrow keys | Move the cursor and navigate Graham through the current scene. |
|---|---|
A | Select the highlighted command, object, character, or destination. |
B | Cancel a selection or return from a command choice. |
The NES adaptation replaces the original computer mouse interface with controller navigation.
Exact behavior can vary by screen and selected command.
How it plays
The game uses a third-person exploration view with a cursor-based interface. Move Graham through screens, inspect scenery, talk to characters, collect objects, and combine or use inventory items to solve puzzles.
Progression follows a largely linear chain of locations, with some opportunities to revisit areas. Correct item use and careful observation are essential, while several choices can cause an unwinnable situation or sudden death. The NES version also includes short action-oriented passages and timing challenges.
Plan your run
Save frequently, especially before entering unfamiliar screens or attempting a puzzle. Examine every object and speak with helpful characters before leaving an area.
Keep seemingly minor items. Several solutions depend on using an object before its purpose is obvious, and some scenes can become impossible if a required item is missed or used incorrectly.
Meet the cast
The protagonist and ruler of Daventry, who searches for his kidnapped family and stolen kingdom.
A loyal owl who guides Graham and provides commentary during the journey.
The evil wizard who takes Daventry and imprisons Graham's family.
The princess held captive by Mordack.
A helpful wizard who gives Graham important assistance early in the adventure.
Before you begin
Save before major decisions, item puzzles, and dangerous encounters.
Explore thoroughly and avoid discarding or wasting unusual inventory items.
Use the owl Cedric's warnings as clues, but do not rely on him to solve every puzzle.
King's Quest V: Absence Makes the Heart Go Yonder! is a fantasy graphic adventure developed by Sierra On-Line for the Nintendo Entertainment System. It follows King Graham after the magical kingdom of Daventry and his castle are mysteriously taken away by the wizard Mordack. Graham must cross forests, deserts, mountains, and a dangerous fortress to rescue his family and restore his kingdom. The NES edition adapts Sierra's mouse-oriented adventure into a controller-based interface, while retaining item puzzles, conversations, inventory use, and occasional arcade-style sequences. Its illustrated world and cinematic presentation were ambitious for the platform. Reception recognized the attractive scenery and substantial story, although the adaptation's difficult puzzles, abrupt deaths, and less convenient controls divided players.
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